Legislator's S.U.V. Strikes Woman, 74

Aug. 7, 2005

A 74-year-old woman was critically injured yesterday morning when she crossed a Brooklyn street -- apparently against the traffic light -- and was struck by a sport utility vehicle driven by State Senator Martin J. Golden, according to the police.

The woman, Hariklia Zafiropoulos, of Bay Ridge, was taken to Lutheran Medical Center, where she remained in critical condition last night.

Mr. Golden, 54, whose senate district, the 22nd, includes Bay Ridge, was on his way from a gym shortly before noon when the accident occurred, the police said. He was not injured.

Ms. Zafiropoulos was trying to cross Third Avenue near 84th Street in Bay Ridge when she was struck, according to the police and witnesses. Mr. Golden, who witnesses said was visibly shaken by the accident, tried to help her afterward and later went to the hospital to check on her condition.

"He stayed through the whole thing," said Doris Kotsis, 46, the owner of a nearby interior design shop. "He was very upset and expressed concern."

The police said a preliminary investigation suggested that Ms. Zafiropoulos should not have been crossing the road at the time, and that Mr. Golden was not at fault. No charges were expected.